Aim4Excellence National Director Credential
Aim4Excellence is an international director credential program for early childhood administrators and leaders offered by the McCormick Institute for Early Childhood at National Louis University, Chicago, USA
About this Program
Aim4Excellence focuses on the essential knowledge and skills leaders need to deliver high-quality programming for young children. It is recognized by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) as an alternative pathway for meeting part of the director qualifications. Participants can complete all nine, self-paced modules to earn the Aim4Excellence National Director Credential.
Unpack the complexities of human behavior and decision-making within the context of children’s services. Discover strategies to foster a culture of safety and well-being, learning how to navigate and influence decision-making processes effectively. Build stronger relationships with your team and the children in your care. Gain insights into various leadership styles and find the one that resonates with your personal values and the needs of your service. With real-world case studies, interactive learning checks, and dedicated tutor and administrative support, this diploma is more than a qualification—it’s a pathway to transforming your service and making a lasting difference in the lives of children and young people. Elevate your career and the quality of children’s care. Enroll in the CACHE Level 5 Leadership Diploma in Children’s Services today and lead the change for tomorrow.
Key Features
Modules
Nine self-paced modules, each requiring approximately 16 clock hours (9 modules x 16 hours = total 144 hours)
Delivery Modes
Self-paced and Instructor-Led training modes are available.
Assessment
Evidence of Learning activities for each module
Certification
Aim4Excellence National Director Credential from the National Louis University, Chicago, USA
Visit their website to learn more about
McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership at National Louis University
Program Benefits
Comprehensive Training:
Covers a wide range of essential topics in early childhood administration
Global Recognition:
Recognized by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) as an alternative pathway for meeting director qualifications
Research-Based Curriculum:
The program is grounded in the latest research and best practices in early childhood education, ensuring that participants receive up-to-date and relevant training
Flexible Online Format with Live Sessions:
The program is delivered entirely online, including live sessions conducted by experts from the McCormick Center, providing flexibility for busy professionals to complete the coursework at their own pace while engaging in interactive learning
Focus on Key Management Areas:
The curriculum covers essential areas such as program operations, financial management, human resources, and family and community engagement, equipping directors with a well-rounded skill set.
Support and Networking:
The program offers opportunities for participants to connect with peers and experts in the field, fostering a supportive learning community and professional networking.
Don’t Miss Out Reserve Your Spot on the Waitlist!
This Program is for You If
01
Aimed at those aspiring to direct top-quality early childhood education centers, setting standards for excellence.
02
You Seek International Leadership Recognition
Ideal for individuals desiring global acknowledgment of their leadership competencies in early childhood education.
03
You Wish to Establish Robust Systems
Tailored for those focused on creating and implementing systematic approaches that enhance learning environments for young children.
Who Should Take this Program
Current early childhood education program directors
Assistant directors seeking career advancement
Aspiring early childhood education leaders
Early childhood educators interested in administrative roles
What You Will Learn
- Leadership strategies and staff development
- Recruitment, selection, and orientation of staff
- Performance management and team building
- Program operations management
- Business strategy and financial planning
Training Facilitator
Program Outline
This program is designed in 17 units:
- Unit 1: Understand children and young people’s development.
- Unit 2: Use and develop systems that promote communication.
- Unit 3: Support children’s speech, language, and communication.
- Unit 4: Develop procedures and practice to respond to concerns & complaints.
- Unit 5: Develop and implement policies and procedures to support the safeguarding of children.
- Unit 6: Lead practice in promoting the well-being and resilience of children and young people.
- Unit 7: Develop health and safety and risk management policies, procedures and practices.
- Unit 8: Undertake a Research Project.
- Unit 9: Work in partnership in Health and Social Care or children and young people’s setting.
- Unit 10: Understand partnership working.
- Unit 11: Promote Professional Development.
- Unit 12: Champion equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Unit 13: Facilitate change in health and social care or children and young people’s setting.
- Unit 14: Lead and manage a team within children and young people’s setting.
- Unit 15: Develop Supervision Practice in children and young people’s settings.
- Unit 16: Lead Practice that Supports Positive Outcomes.
- Unit 17: Appraise Staff Performance.
| Unit | Session | Name of the Unit | Time (KSA) | Time (UAE) | Time (Chicago) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orientation | Session 1 | Orientation Session | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM |
| Module 1 | Session 2 | Leading the Way | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM |
| Session 3 | Support Session | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM | |
| Module 2 | Session 4 | Recruiting, Selecting, and Orienting Staff | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM |
| Session 5 | Support Session | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM | |
| Module 3 | Session 6 | Promoting Peak Performance | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM |
| Session 7 | Support Session | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM | |
| Module 4 | Session 8 | Managing Program Operations | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM |
| Session 9 | Support Session | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM | |
| Module 5 | Session 10 | Building a Sound Business Strategy | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM |
| Session 11 | Support Session | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM | |
| Module 6 | Session 12 | Designing Indoor and Outdoor Environments | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM |
| Session 13 | Support Session | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM | |
| Module 7 | Session 14 | Supporting Children’s Development and Learning | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM |
| Session 15 | Support Session | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM | |
| Module 8 | Session 16 | Facilitating Responsive Family Engagement | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM |
| Session 17 | Support Session | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM | |
| Module 9 | Session 18 | Evaluating Program Quality | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM |
| Session 19 | Support Session | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM |
This module assists a program leader in understanding the vital role played in creating and sustaining program excellence.
This module increases a program leader’s understanding of and ability to implement effective, ethical, and lawful employment practices.
This module assists a program leader to understand the central role they play in supervising staff and building a learning community by guiding teachers to become reflective practitioners.
This module expands a program leader’s understanding of systems thinking to evaluate and implement efficient, strategic, and important management systems to alleviate risk within the early childhood program setting.
This module introduces the program leader with the decisions regarding the program’s organizational structure, its finances, and the way of caring for existing and prospective customers.
This module will strengthen your program and leadership capacity as you plan, evaluate, and improve indoor and outdoor environments for infants, toddlers, pre-K, and school-age children to create the highest quality setting for children, families, and staff to thrive.
This module will build your program capacity to advance children’s development and learning by providing leadership to establish and strengthen staff competencies for teaching and caregiving
This module will increase your leadership influence, activate strategies to promote family engagement, strengthen connections between family, program, and community resources.
This module focuses on the critical role that a program leader provides by modeling for staff and demonstrating to facilities, a program’s commitment to ongoing inquiry and quality improvement.
assessment
Each module includes Evidence of Learning activities. Participants must achieve a minimum score of 70% to pass, with some funders or sponsors potentially requiring higher scores. Assessments are designed to evaluate the application of knowledge gained from module materials.
PROGRAM PREREQUISITES
Educational Background:
No specific requirements mentioned, but solid undergraduate-level writing skills are necessary
Professional Experience:
Regular access to an early childhood program for completing assignments
Technical Skills:
Basic computer skills and access to high-speed internet
Your Support Team
PROGRAM PREREQUISITES
Educational Background:
No specific requirements mentioned, but solid undergraduate-level writing skills are necessary
Professional Experience:
Regular access to an early childhood program for completing assignments
Technical Skills:
Basic computer skills and access to high-speed internet
Your Support Team
Accreditation
International Accreditation: Aim4Excellence is accredited by the McCormick Institute for Early Childhood at National Louis University, Chicago, USA.
UAE: Aim4Excellence is accredited by the KHDA.
KSA: Aim4Excellence is pending accreditation from the TVTC.
Qatar: Aim4Excellence is accredited by Qatar University Community Service and Continuing Education Center.
Certificate Sample
Frequently Asked Questions
The Aim4Excellence™ National Director Credential is an international leadership development program designed to strengthen the competencies of early childhood program administrators. It focuses on leadership essentials, administrative leadership, and pedagogical leadership to enhance program quality and sustainability.
Yes, the Aim4Excellence™ National Director Credential is recognized across the United States as a standard for leadership excellence in early childhood program administration.
The McCormick Center was founded by Dr. Paula Jorde Bloom, a pioneer in early childhood leadership. Her work laid the foundation for the tools, resources, and professional development programs offered today.
Yes. Completing a director credential can help assistant directors develop the core knowledge and skills needed for program administration, potentially boosting their qualifications for future director roles.
No. Aspiring directors can enroll, but they must have regular access to an early childhood program to complete assignments and possess strong undergraduate-level writing skills
Yes. Modules can be taken for undergraduate or graduate credit through institutions such as National Louis University.
Yes. The modules are accessible worldwide with a high-speed Internet connection. Graduate-level credit may require additional admissions steps.
Each module is accessible for 8 weeks (56 days) from the initial login. Participants are encouraged to save resources for future reference.
No. All nine modules must be completed to earn the credential; waivers for previous coursework or credentials are not available.
About Arabian Child
Why learn with us?
Recognized by KHDA (UAE) and TVTC (Saudi Arabia), showcasing our commitment to quality and excellence.
1-to-1 tutor support on all courses every step of the way.
Influence
With partnerships in over 480 centers, our practices are backed by extensive research and hands-on experience.
How You’ll Learn
Modular Approach
Courses divided into weekly modules for manageable learning.
Flexible Material Access
Study materials tailored to chosen mode: self-study, live online, or classroom-based.
Interactive Learning
Engage with peers in live sessions or classroom settings.
Real-world Application
Explore and apply concepts through real-world examples.
Practical Implementation
Apply learning directly in your teaching environment.
Technical Requirements
Need an online learning platform account, a Google account, and an email for course completion.
Application Process
Register by completing the online application form.
Your application will be reviewed to determine if it is a fit with the program.
If approved, you will receive an offer for the upcoming cohort. Secure your seat by paying the fee.
